CMMC Explained: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a U.S. Government-mandated program aimed at improving supply chain security across the defense industrial base (DIB). Introduced by the Department of Defense (DoD), CMMC establishes a robust framework to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) from increasing cybersecurity threats.
CMMC will be required by all DoD Contractors and Subcontractors.
By the end of 2025, all DoD contractors and subcontractors will be required to achieve certification at one of the three CMMC levels, making it an essential milestone for organizations working in the defense industry. This rigorous certification process ensures that businesses meet a measurable set of cybersecurity standards designed to protect sensitive information, reduce vulnerabilities, and maintain national security.
The Importance of CMMC.
The DoD’s initiative is a direct response to growing concerns about cyberattacks targeting its supply chain, which is critical to national defense. By requiring a higher level of cybersecurity maturity, CMMC helps to:
- Prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
- Protect defense systems from cyberattacks.
- Strengthen the overall security posture of the DIB.
- Ensure continuity of operations in the face of evolving threats.
CMMC’s rigorous requirements are not just about compliance—they’re about fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and resilience throughout an organization.
How to Prepare for CMMC Certification.
Preparing for CMMC certification involves several steps:
- Understand Your Requirements: Determine your required CMMC level based on your contract and the type of information you handle.
- Conduct a Readiness Assessment: Identify gaps in your current cybersecurity program and address areas of non-compliance.
- Implement Required Practices: Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and controls aligned with the CMMC level you’re pursuing.
- Engage a C3PAO: Work with a certified assessor organization to complete the formal certification process.
- Maintain Compliance: Cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Regularly update your practices to meet evolving threats and requirements.
CMMC Certification Levels. Which One Do You Need?
Your required CMMC certification level depends on several factors, including the type of work your organization performs, the sensitivity of the information you handle, and the specifics of your DoD contract. Your contracting officer will determine the necessary level, which will be clearly outlined in your contract.
Level 1 – Cyber Hygiene Practice:
- Applies to Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Contractors that manage only Federal Contract Information (FCI). Requires compliance with 15 basic cybersecurity practices.
- Practices include simple but critical controls such as maintaining strong password policies and implementing antivirus software.
Level 2 – Cyber Hygiene Practice:
- Applies to DIB Contractors who manage Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
- Requires compliance with the 110 cybersecurity practices detailed in NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-171v2, including those from Level 1.
- Includes requirements for more advanced measures, such as multi-factor authentication, incident response plans, and data encryption.
Level 3 – Cyber Hygiene Practice:
- Applies to DIB Contractors working with the most sensitive unclassified information critical to national security. Requires Level 2 Certification, plus compliance with the 24 additional cybersecurity practices detailed in NIST SP 800-172.
- Enhanced cybersecurity controls required include dual control, advanced training for emerging threats, and augmented incident detection and correlation capabilities.
How Monarch ISC Can Help
Monarch ISC provides expert guidance to help organizations navigate the complexities of CMMC certification. Through our services, we:
- Conduct Readiness Assessments to identify gaps and prepare your organization for certification.
- Offer Instructor-Led Training through CAICO-authorized programs to equip your staff with the skills needed to achieve compliance.
- Provide ongoing support with our Virtual Information Security Officer (V-ISO) service, offering strategic cybersecurity leadership tailored to your needs.
CMMC is not just a requirement—it’s a strategic advantage.
CMMC is not just a requirement—it’s a strategic advantage. Ensuring compliance enhances your organization’s cybersecurity posture, builds trust with government partners, and opens doors to valuable DoD contracts. Contact Monarch ISC today to learn how we can support your journey to CMMC certification.
Other Services
Roadmap to Certification
As your chosen C3PAO, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring our process is careful, thorough, and professional. Our collaborative approach includes clear communication, timely scheduling, and a well-orchestrated assessment of your CMMC environment concluding with your 3-year CMMC Certificate.
Readiness Assessment
Monarch leverages our proprietary web application, Security Catapult®, to assess your organization’s compliance with the 110 practices detailed in NIST Special Publication 800-171, and identify any gaps in your current CMMC program. These same 110 practices entirely comprise CMMC Level 2 requirements for Organizations Seeking Certification (OSC) that manage Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). By using Security Catapult, we streamline and accelerate the path to certification.
Plan of Action and Milestones (PoAM)
Using the intuitive features of Monarch ISC’s Security Catapult® during your Readiness Assessment, you effortlessly create a tailored plan detailing required tasks, necessary resources, milestones, and completion dates that form your unique PoAM. Security Catapult ® links each PoAM item directly to its CMMC requirement. This tactical roadmap ensures your organization stays on track to meet compliance and strengthen cybersecurity. The Security Catapult® ensures your organization does not waste resources on certification assessments without being fully prepared.
Get Certified!
Once your organization has corrected any deficiencies noted during your Readiness Assessment, it’s time to schedule your Certification Assessment. Our experienced team guides you through the careful process of achieving CMMC Certification. We schedule on-site visits as required and participate remotely whenever possible. Our goal is to minimize the stress on your staff, be as expedient as possible, and use online tools to conduct the highest quality CMMC Assessment.
